Have you noticed some people sprinkling water around the Leaf (plate) before having a meal? In modern days many choose not to follow the ritual. However, elderly people are still keen on this ritual. They have been practising this task since history.
The Ritual of Sprinkling Water
Sprinkling water and keeping some portion of their food outside the plate is a known ritual in olden times. People say ‘the food’ is a tribute to God. God or the universe is our creator and provider. Hence, a portion of our food is left out for the universe before we commence eating. When we say we have kept it aside for the universe, it means every microorganism in the universe needs to quest its hunger. Sprinkling water is also a form of daily thanksgiving for each meal that we enjoy out of this universe.
To Save Food From Insects
As we all know, earlier there was a shortage of electricity. Most places did not have light and energy. People bathed and ate without electricity. Hence, they couldn’t see if any insects or flies are climbing to their plates. Sprinkling water acted as a repellant to insects. It would stop them from reaching their plate and exploiting food. Anyways some food has been left out for them outside of the vessel. Therefore, people practised the act.
The Followers
People believed that this act should be only carried when we are sitting on the ground and having food. There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, insects cannot climb several meters from the floor to contaminate the food. And secondly, the ritual restricts to the ground itself. As devoted followers, people do not question this ritual of sprinkling water and keep practising the same. However, donating food and water to the universe before we commence eating is done religiously in many households even today.
